Body Fat Monitor Scales

So I've had my pacemaker for about 7 months...no problems. I just reviewed closely then ordered a new body fat monitor w/ scale. I open it up when it arrives all excited about my new toy when I see this big fat warning that those with PMs shouldn't use it. Called Medtronic, they agreed. However I've seen comments on here that it's ok...just a cya type precaution. What do you think? Do I have to send it back? Can I just use the weight function and not the body fat part? I had one before that I mostly used for the weight but I am 99% positive I had used the body fat function since I got my pacemaker. Opinions??

AC

4 Comments

scales

by Red1958 - 2009-06-21 05:06:16

I have a crt-d and i use one.No problem

Weight Watchers Scales

by Rogeroz - 2009-06-22 06:06:59

I have an ICD & I've been using electronic scales for weighing only, it doesn't seem to be a problem but maybe I should check it out. I'm content to use a BMI calculator on the net to work out the rest.

Body Fat Monitor/Scales

by ElectricFrank - 2009-06-23 12:06:07

Most electronic body fat monitors send a small current through your body. (You can tell if this is the kind..they will have some kind of connection to your body). Theoretically this kind could cause interference with the pacer as it would sense the current and mistake it for a heart beat. Actually, the current has to be small enough that you don't feel it as a shock which means that it is very unlikely to be enough to bother the pacer.

If you want to try it my suggestion is to have someone with you to turn it off if you start to have problems. After a couple of checks with no problem you should be able to use it alone. Be sure to write down the date and time of each use. If something strange shows up at your next check up you would be able to relate it to the monitor.

Hope this helps,

frank

Thanks!

by ADC - 2009-06-24 03:06:02

Good call, Frank, on the idea of tracking the dates. So far I seem to have no noticable problems...I only use the body fat checker part very occasionally, so having the date info might prove useful.

AC

You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

Member Quotes

So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.